Keeping nerves and muscles healthier as we age
Homeostatic Neuroprotection in the Aging Nervous System
Researchers are testing whether boosting the nervous system's natural protective processes can slow muscle loss and weakness in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251619 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research uses mouse models to study “homeostatic neuroprotection,” a natural process that helps neuromuscular junctions remain stable with age. The team will follow three different mouse strains across their lifespans to see if enhancing these protective mechanisms preserves muscle innervation, strength, behavior, and overall health. Labs will examine specific genes and molecular pathways at the neuromuscular junction and measure changes in muscle structure and function. The ultimate goal is to identify targets that could be tested in people to prevent age-related frailty and sarcopenia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Older adults experiencing age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia), progressive weakness, or increased frailty would be the likely group to benefit or be candidates for future human trials.
Not a fit: People whose muscle problems are due to acute injury, congenital neuromuscular diseases, or non–age-related causes may not benefit from findings focused specifically on aging mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat age-related muscle loss and frailty in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies, including the investigators' own published work, have shown that enhancing homeostatic plasticity can preserve neuromuscular anatomy and improve lifespan in mice, but these approaches have not yet been tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davis, Graeme W — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Davis, Graeme W
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.